From: Brian Geldmacher
First time and last time for me. This was my first KISS show ever. They played like I always dreamed they would in concert.

I was anxious for the show to start and when the voice said, "Alright, St. Louis!!!!" MY HEART BEGAN TO RACE.

"You wanted the best..." I began to jump up and down slightly, trying to cope with the rush of adrenaline. "You got the best...the hottest band in the world...KISS!!" As the curtain dropped, the band was lowered from a platform to the stage. They opened with Detroit Rock City and proved to everyone their that night that they were not kidding around.

We were in for a serious rock and roll show. I was so pumped. Deuce came next. 20,000 people sang right along with every word, all night long.

As they slammed through classic after classic, I became more satisfied with my decision to spend my hard earned money. This band was making it all worth while. When they sang Do You Love Me, a montage of clips and photos from the bands history showed on the giant screens behind the band. I guess this took the place of the video they showed opening night on VH-1. It worked really well. It was very touching to hear Do You Love Me in a tribut to the fans and the band.

I hoped that Paul would sport the fireman's hat during Firehouse, but that was not the case. To be honest, every song put the Alive! releases to shame. These guys delivered loud and heavy versions of all their songs. Paul talked to the crowd a lot. He spoke about the heat, and trust me it was damn hot that night. He talked about the band's history in St. Louis. How they played very early in their career to 40,000 people at the KSHE Kite Fly. He spoke about the Alive!/Worlwide Tour and how they came twice to St. Louis on what became the top selling concert of that year. He talked about things very specific to the area, which I'm sure he does at all the shows, but was very cool regardless. As the night went on, the only thing that got me down was knowing that they would eventually have to stop playing. Towards the end of the show, Paul came out with his broken mirror guitar and sang he first verse and a half of I Still Love You.

Then he stopped and broke into the intro to Black Diamond. After the song, the stage went dark, except for the giant KISS signs flashing, which prompted the 20,000 to chant with each blink of the lights.

Then Peter appeared on his stool at center stage. Be sang Beth in what was truly a highlight for me. Then the and came out (Ace without the top of his costume on, he was wearing a black KISS shirt with the KISS logo in rhinestones) They bowed and Paul spoke again abou the fans and how much they loved us. Then they played one more. I thought that the MTV Music Awards version of Rock & Roll All Nite was the best version I had ever heard, until now. They absolutley ripped the song out. It was awesome. Confetti, lights, smoke, fireworks from Ace's guitar. It was a dream come true. When the song ended, I thought I yelled my voice away.

Looking back on the show, I would definetely say that this show was the best show I have ever seen, and I don't think I'll ever see one that will even come close. Long live Rock & Roll. Long Live KISS...

KISS ASYLUM -- KISS Museum News Archive Features Tour Dates Photos